Heart Healthy Broccoli Slaw Recipe with Greek Yogurt Dressing

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 1/15/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy Broccoli Slaw Recipe with Greek Yogurt Dressing
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This simple broccoli slaw is a creamy summer classic with a sweet, crunchy flavor you cannot help but love. By swapping heavy mayonnaise for a tangy Greek yogurt dressing, this recipe delivers all the creaminess you crave with less saturated fat and a protein boost.

It is loaded with wholesome ingredients like raisins, sunflower seeds, and savory turkey bacon for a one-of-a-kind bite. Whether you need a refreshing side dish for a barbecue or a nutrient-packed lunch option, this healthy coleslaw alternative comes together in minutes and tastes even better the next day.

Total Time
15 minutes
Servings
8
Calories
79

What Makes This Broccoli Slaw with Greek Yogurt Dressing Healthy

This recipe lightens up a traditional potluck favorite by using nonfat Greek yogurt as the base for the dressing. This simple swap significantly reduces calories and fat while adding a dose of protein and probiotics. Combined with nutrient-dense broccoli slaw instead of plain cabbage, it offers a fiber-rich side dish that supports heart health without sacrificing flavor.

Key Health Highlights

  • Greek Yogurt Base: Provides a creamy texture with beneficial probiotics and protein, replacing high-fat mayonnaise.
  • High in Fiber: Broccoli slaw mix is packed with fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
  • Lean Protein: Turkey bacon offers a smoky, savory crunch with less saturated fat than traditional pork bacon.
  • Healthy Fats: Sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch along with vitamin E and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, supporting immune function and bone health.

FAQs About Broccoli Slaw

Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead recipe. The broccoli slaw is hearty enough to hold up to the dressing without getting soggy quickly. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften slightly.

If you prefer not to use Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or a mixture of half mayonnaise and half sour cream (though this will change the nutritional profile). For a non-creamy version, simply increase the apple cider vinegar and lime juice for a vinaigrette style.

Absolutely. Dried cranberries (craisins) or chopped dried cherries work beautifully if you want a tart contrast to the creamy dressing. You can also use chopped fresh grapes or diced apples for a juicier burst of sweetness.

The broccoli slaw vegetable mix itself is naturally gluten-free. To ensure the entire dish is safe, double-check that your turkey bacon and any seasonings are certified gluten-free, as hidden gluten can sometimes appear in processed meat products.

This slaw stays fresh and crunchy for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir it well before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing.

Light & Fresh Heart-Healthy Side Dishes

Looking for more light side dishes that are perfect for summer picnics and potlucks? These healthy salad recipes offer refreshing flavors and nutrient-packed ingredients without the heavy calories of traditional sides.

Healthy Veggie-Forward Sides

Want to add more nutrition to your dinner plate with delicious vegetable side dishes? These veggie-forward recipes make it easy to enjoy seasonal produce with vibrant flavors and heart-healthy benefits.

Ingredient Spotlight: Broccoli

Broccoli is the star of this slaw, and for good reason. It is a nutritional powerhouse belonging to the cruciferous vegetable family. Rich in sulforaphane, a compound studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, broccoli supports overall cellular health. Using the stalks (often found in slaw mixes) reduces food waste and provides a slightly sweeter, crunchier texture than the florets alone, making it a delicious way to boost your daily vegetable intake.

Healthy Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing for a little heat.
  • Fruity Twist: Stir in chopped Granny Smith apples or pear slices for extra crunch and tartness.
  • Asian-Inspired: Swap the apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar and add a teaspoon of sesame oil and soy sauce (or tamari) to the dressing.
  • Extra Protein: Top with grilled chicken breast or chickpeas to turn this side dish into a complete light lunch.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Slaw is Too Watery: As the vegetables sit, they release water. If your slaw looks watery the next day, simply drain off the excess liquid and stir in a spoonful of extra Greek yogurt to restore creaminess.
  • Flavor is Too Tart: Greek yogurt and vinegar can be quite tangy. If the dressing feels too sharp, balance it out with a little extra sweetener (honey or sugar) or a pinch more salt.
  • Vegetables are Too Tough: If you find raw broccoli stems too hard to chew, you can pulse the slaw mix in a food processor for a finer texture or let it marinate in the dressing for longer (overnight) to soften.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 8 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, combine the broccoli slaw with the onion, raisins and sunflower seeds.

  2. Step 2

    In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, vinegar, yogurt, sugar, celery seeds, bacon (if using), salt and black pepper to taste.

  3. Step 3

    Stir the dressing into the broccoli slaw mixture until well combined. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 2 hours. Serve cold.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1/2 cup

79
Calories
2
g
Fat
0
mg
Cholesterol
54
mg
Sodium
13
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
3
g
Protein

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Make Ahead: This dish tastes best after chilling for at least 2 hours, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The slaw will soften slightly over time but remains delicious.
  • Freezing: We do not recommend freezing this recipe, as the yogurt dressing may separate and the vegetables will lose their crisp texture upon thawing.
  • Stir Before Serving: The dressing may settle at the bottom of the container; give it a quick toss before serving to ensure every bite is coated.

What to Serve With This Heart Healthy Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap for dried cranberries (craisins), dried cherries, or chopped fresh grapes for a different fruity flavor.

Sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or chopped walnuts make excellent crunchy alternatives.

You can use regular bacon in moderation, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Smoked paprika can add a similar smoky flavor if you skip the meat.

If raw red onion is too sharp, soak the chopped onion in ice water for 10 minutes before adding, or use sliced green onions (scallions) for a milder taste.

The sugar can be replaced with honey, maple syrup, or a calorie-free sweetener like stevia if preferred.

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